I figured out I might as well pile on with the Susan Garber nomination for Planning Board.
You can read all about it here in the Sun, here in Julia's analysis, and Tom's take.
County Executive Kittleman has accused the County Council of playing politics with the nomination. Call me naive, but I believe it IS politics.
His petition to call for a yes-or-no vote on Garber garnered 185 votes according to his campaign page. And yes, there were more supporters that showed up in person to testify in favor of her appointment.
However, not everyone feels that she is qualified and word on the street is that the County Council has received many emails against her. And it's not just the developers that everyone loves to blame. (Also worth noting, both candidates for County Executive in 2014 received developer contributions.)
At this point, doesn't the inaction of the Council make it apparent that if it does go to an up-or-down vote, they would vote 4-1 against her?
Reading the agendas and minutes of the past council meetings indicates they have appointed dozens of the Executive's nominees. While certain constituencies may have gotten him elected, they did not overthrow the Democratic majority on the Council that may oppose those constituencies. Listen, I would prefer they just vote on it, but who knows why these things happen? ...Oh, right, POLITICS.
It reminds me of the George W. Bush nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court in 2005.That process went horribly too, for many reasons, and this one seems as inevitable.
(Full Disclosure: I am writing this as an individual, not as a Town Center Village Board Member.)
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Scheduling Summer
Now that school's out, I'm having a toddler-like reaction to the craziness of summer.
Ah, summer - time to schedule all those appointments - no need to worry about school! Yay!
On the very first Monday, I slammed two into one day. Unintentionally. My calendar on my computer is not synced with my phone. Lil wanted to go to the pool with her Nature Camp friends, which conflicted with her original dental appointment. Quick call - Monday, 4:15? That's PERFECT. Whew. Crisis avoided there.
Until the following day when I received a reminder from her orthodontist about her appointment at 4:50 on Monday.
So I prayed to the traffic gods that play with our lives on Rt. 29 everyday starting at, um, when does morning rush hour end? 10:30 AM? Can we make it from Atholton to Ellicott City in less than 15 minutes?
Also, who wants a dental cleaning followed by wire tightening? Irrelevant question, ok?
Luckily I showed up at the dentist at 3:45 and there had been a cancellation, so my crazy plan was accommodated.
Luckily for Lil, no tightening - just a check to see they can be removed. But then when to schedule that appointment? Oh, the day of her show at CCTA? Uh, no. She's Peter Pan in one of the scenes (there are multiple Pans so they can learn lines quickly in six days).
I choose 10:30 - put it in the phone, cc my husband, who actually never looks at what I send him, just accepts as "Tentative" - and move on.
Oh, right, I have a doctor's appointment that day that I didn't see on my phone.
Did I mention Disney is due for his annual exam next week? Which the hubby refuses to attend because he's afraid of the vet scolding us for how portly our 15 month old cat is...
I'm thinking of going back to paper.
Ah, summer - time to schedule all those appointments - no need to worry about school! Yay!
On the very first Monday, I slammed two into one day. Unintentionally. My calendar on my computer is not synced with my phone. Lil wanted to go to the pool with her Nature Camp friends, which conflicted with her original dental appointment. Quick call - Monday, 4:15? That's PERFECT. Whew. Crisis avoided there.
Until the following day when I received a reminder from her orthodontist about her appointment at 4:50 on Monday.
So I prayed to the traffic gods that play with our lives on Rt. 29 everyday starting at, um, when does morning rush hour end? 10:30 AM? Can we make it from Atholton to Ellicott City in less than 15 minutes?
Also, who wants a dental cleaning followed by wire tightening? Irrelevant question, ok?
Luckily I showed up at the dentist at 3:45 and there had been a cancellation, so my crazy plan was accommodated.
Luckily for Lil, no tightening - just a check to see they can be removed. But then when to schedule that appointment? Oh, the day of her show at CCTA? Uh, no. She's Peter Pan in one of the scenes (there are multiple Pans so they can learn lines quickly in six days).
I choose 10:30 - put it in the phone, cc my husband, who actually never looks at what I send him, just accepts as "Tentative" - and move on.
Oh, right, I have a doctor's appointment that day that I didn't see on my phone.
Did I mention Disney is due for his annual exam next week? Which the hubby refuses to attend because he's afraid of the vet scolding us for how portly our 15 month old cat is...
I'm thinking of going back to paper.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Spinspiration
I cannot be blind to the momentous history happening today - the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of the recognition of gay marriage throughout the United States.
Watching the coverage of the celebration in DC, Jim Obergefell spoke with the President and mentioned that his husband was not with him. That's the whole point of the case, actually; his husband died 20 months ago and Obergefell wanted to be listed as the surviving spouse on the death certificate.
Many people have been told no at a government office before - getting a driver's license, applying for a housing permit or trying to get a license for a small business - for a host of reasons, which include controversial topics. That's not my point today, though.
Instead, it's the perseverance of the denied. Lots of people would try once or twice and give up, assuming continued failure. My husband reminded my daughter and me of that which separated the ordinary from the extraordinary - the invention of the lightbulb.
“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”
― Thomas A. Edison
My small inspiration was this morning during spin class. The regular instructor was interviewing a prospective teacher by having her do the first half of the hour class. Every teacher has a different style, playlist and drills.
I liked this one - she played Paradise City by Guns'n'Roses for one of the drills. It was a set of quick in-and-out-of-the-saddle intervals that were incredibly tough for me. When it ended, I was huffing and puffing. Since it was her last song of the "interview," she got down and started the mid-class water refill.
When she got to me, she said "You were awesome." I demurred, "I'm terrible at this." "No, you were doing really well and I could see that I was connecting with you and inspiring you. And I needed that, so that I could go on."
The smallest acts of perseverance can mean a lot, not just for you. Believe me, I'm not equating me challenging myself during spin class to solving societal problems. I am trying to use my little success to overcome that voice in my head saying I'm too weak and I won't make it, though.
When you want to give up, try once more. Whether you make a difference for one, or for many, like Jim Obergefell, a grieving widower, try just a little harder. You could make somebody's day, their week, or their lifetime.
Watching the coverage of the celebration in DC, Jim Obergefell spoke with the President and mentioned that his husband was not with him. That's the whole point of the case, actually; his husband died 20 months ago and Obergefell wanted to be listed as the surviving spouse on the death certificate.
Many people have been told no at a government office before - getting a driver's license, applying for a housing permit or trying to get a license for a small business - for a host of reasons, which include controversial topics. That's not my point today, though.
Instead, it's the perseverance of the denied. Lots of people would try once or twice and give up, assuming continued failure. My husband reminded my daughter and me of that which separated the ordinary from the extraordinary - the invention of the lightbulb.
“I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”
― Thomas A. Edison
My small inspiration was this morning during spin class. The regular instructor was interviewing a prospective teacher by having her do the first half of the hour class. Every teacher has a different style, playlist and drills.
I liked this one - she played Paradise City by Guns'n'Roses for one of the drills. It was a set of quick in-and-out-of-the-saddle intervals that were incredibly tough for me. When it ended, I was huffing and puffing. Since it was her last song of the "interview," she got down and started the mid-class water refill.
When she got to me, she said "You were awesome." I demurred, "I'm terrible at this." "No, you were doing really well and I could see that I was connecting with you and inspiring you. And I needed that, so that I could go on."
The smallest acts of perseverance can mean a lot, not just for you. Believe me, I'm not equating me challenging myself during spin class to solving societal problems. I am trying to use my little success to overcome that voice in my head saying I'm too weak and I won't make it, though.
When you want to give up, try once more. Whether you make a difference for one, or for many, like Jim Obergefell, a grieving widower, try just a little harder. You could make somebody's day, their week, or their lifetime.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Type A- Traveler
That dash is a minus.
I am pretty laidback when it comes to traveling. Ask my stepfather. When I traveled for business, domestically, I'd arrive an hour before departure...in the parking lot. International, maybe an hour and a half?
I'd be lying if I said there'd never been a freakout moment of being late. The time we left our garment bag on the parking lot shuttle...I was standing in the security line while Luke chased it down. Lil was a toddler - maybe 3? I envisioned myself flying to Puerto Rico all alone with my daughter (BWI only had one flight per day) and getting on a seven day cruise, playing the slots with one hand and holding Lil's hand with the other. (Joking - kids, not allowed in casinos. Serious - real problem on ships that depart Puerto Rico.) Alas, Luke jumped into the airplane as they were closing the door.
"You made it! Where's the garment bag?"
"Couldn't get it."
Tears.
"K, you're looking at this the wrong way. When we get to Puerto Rico, we'll go shopping. I'll rent a tux on board the ship. This is an opportunity."
Hmm. We went to Macy's, I had coupons and I found cheap, but pretty new dresses. Score!
Three weeks ago, I was not that placid. For a few hours, I was in a plane flying to Seattle, Luke was in New York and Lil was at school. In the aftermath of the Amtrak tragedy, as we discussed plans for backup, he was very relaxed.
"If I'm late or there's a problem, I'll call your parents. We'll let them know it's a possibility."
"Great idea. Except that I'm going to be WITH my parents on the PLANE."
"Oh, right."
I relived this today when I ran into a friend at the gym and she asked how everything had went.
"Kinda badly, but he didn't tell me until we met for lunch in Vancouver before getting on the ship."
Their puddle jumper got pulled for maintenance AFTER going from Baltimore to Newark and they had seconds to spare at Toronto for the connection and went to the wrong hotel. I am SO glad I did not know any of this.
But they made it and we had an awesome Alaskan cruise...partly because of the odd weather they're having...but that's another discussion. :)
I am pretty laidback when it comes to traveling. Ask my stepfather. When I traveled for business, domestically, I'd arrive an hour before departure...in the parking lot. International, maybe an hour and a half?
I'd be lying if I said there'd never been a freakout moment of being late. The time we left our garment bag on the parking lot shuttle...I was standing in the security line while Luke chased it down. Lil was a toddler - maybe 3? I envisioned myself flying to Puerto Rico all alone with my daughter (BWI only had one flight per day) and getting on a seven day cruise, playing the slots with one hand and holding Lil's hand with the other. (Joking - kids, not allowed in casinos. Serious - real problem on ships that depart Puerto Rico.) Alas, Luke jumped into the airplane as they were closing the door.
"You made it! Where's the garment bag?"
"Couldn't get it."
Tears.
"K, you're looking at this the wrong way. When we get to Puerto Rico, we'll go shopping. I'll rent a tux on board the ship. This is an opportunity."
Hmm. We went to Macy's, I had coupons and I found cheap, but pretty new dresses. Score!
Three weeks ago, I was not that placid. For a few hours, I was in a plane flying to Seattle, Luke was in New York and Lil was at school. In the aftermath of the Amtrak tragedy, as we discussed plans for backup, he was very relaxed.
"If I'm late or there's a problem, I'll call your parents. We'll let them know it's a possibility."
"Great idea. Except that I'm going to be WITH my parents on the PLANE."
"Oh, right."
I relived this today when I ran into a friend at the gym and she asked how everything had went.
"Kinda badly, but he didn't tell me until we met for lunch in Vancouver before getting on the ship."
Their puddle jumper got pulled for maintenance AFTER going from Baltimore to Newark and they had seconds to spare at Toronto for the connection and went to the wrong hotel. I am SO glad I did not know any of this.
But they made it and we had an awesome Alaskan cruise...partly because of the odd weather they're having...but that's another discussion. :)
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Dear Columbia
Dear Columbia,
I love you. I love this weekend. Every 2nd weekend of May, Maryland celebrates Preakness and Wine in the Woods. I like the horses but I'm not that keen on the infield at Pimlico.
So I spend it at Wine in the Woods in my front yard. Sometimes, it rains, but even in the rain, the canopy of the woods is somewhat protective.
Today, Luke & Lil & I enjoyed sharing the plan for the Chrysalis groundbreaking this year. And so many people were excited to hear that this area would be an Arts Park.
Thank you Columbia for your excitement!
I love you. I love this weekend. Every 2nd weekend of May, Maryland celebrates Preakness and Wine in the Woods. I like the horses but I'm not that keen on the infield at Pimlico.
So I spend it at Wine in the Woods in my front yard. Sometimes, it rains, but even in the rain, the canopy of the woods is somewhat protective.
Today, Luke & Lil & I enjoyed sharing the plan for the Chrysalis groundbreaking this year. And so many people were excited to hear that this area would be an Arts Park.
Thank you Columbia for your excitement!
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Shopping trip
I will admit, given the date of this blog, I have a tween.
She is a dancer. She likes wearing clothes that are not confining. For a performance, yes. She'll do what's necessary.
In real life, she prefers comfy clothes. Yoga pants, leggings, no buttons, easygoing arms...
Today, I went shopping for some summer clothes for Lil.
Do you know how hard that is? I'm not talking about Lil's requirements. I'm talking about the Howard County school system dress code. My friend Julia has discussed it over at http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/ as she's been dealing with the dress code for her daughter.
All of the stores are stocking tank tops for girls. It was hard to find t-shirts. Lil doesn't wear sweaters so how is she going to cover up her shoulders? Why the heck does she need to?
I had a discussion with an executive once at a firm I worked for regarding whether we were really in need of business casual dress versus business suits. I think I responded about the heat on my western window desk and that I didn't have any client interaction.
I cannot equate performance with clothing. I can equate perception with clothing. I've never been a big fan of Nikki Minaj, but this article completely changed my perception of her.
When you're in school, playing on the basketball court, running around, wearing sneakers and comfy clothes seems pretty reasonable. In a boardroom, wearing a suit seems reasonable. But wearing a sleeveless dress is not offensive.
Wearing a three-piece suit in August in Washington, though, does seem questionable. A tank top in school for a 10 year old does not.
She is a dancer. She likes wearing clothes that are not confining. For a performance, yes. She'll do what's necessary.
In real life, she prefers comfy clothes. Yoga pants, leggings, no buttons, easygoing arms...
Today, I went shopping for some summer clothes for Lil.
Do you know how hard that is? I'm not talking about Lil's requirements. I'm talking about the Howard County school system dress code. My friend Julia has discussed it over at http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/ as she's been dealing with the dress code for her daughter.
All of the stores are stocking tank tops for girls. It was hard to find t-shirts. Lil doesn't wear sweaters so how is she going to cover up her shoulders? Why the heck does she need to?
I had a discussion with an executive once at a firm I worked for regarding whether we were really in need of business casual dress versus business suits. I think I responded about the heat on my western window desk and that I didn't have any client interaction.
I cannot equate performance with clothing. I can equate perception with clothing. I've never been a big fan of Nikki Minaj, but this article completely changed my perception of her.
When you're in school, playing on the basketball court, running around, wearing sneakers and comfy clothes seems pretty reasonable. In a boardroom, wearing a suit seems reasonable. But wearing a sleeveless dress is not offensive.
Wearing a three-piece suit in August in Washington, though, does seem questionable. A tank top in school for a 10 year old does not.
Friday, May 1, 2015
It's about the kids
Last week, I attended a panel discussion on women's issues hosted by the Howard County Commission on Women and the League of Women Voters. After the panel finished discussing their personal experiences and perspectives, we broke into smaller discussion groups. I participated in the Employment and the Government/Public Service groups.
Why am I thinking about that right now, you may ask.
Because my friend posted a picture of her son protesting in Baltimore City with her.
The two of us both have tweens that are only children. As such, they get dragged along to a lot of our community activities...Campaigning, political meetings, food banks and protests, etc.
On Saturday, we were talking about how we can increase female involvement in public service. One way, our group decided, is to say sometimes it's OK if kids attend these types of activities. I made Lil sit through a Planning Board meeting last fall about Inner Arbor because I needed to testify. Yes, she had some homework and electronics when she finished her book.
Civics is a very abstract thing for kids. But I try to demonstrate that I, an average citizen, have the right to speak, and that I, as a Stay-at-Home mom, have the ability to speak. Believe me, she gets bored sometimes, but in the car afterwards, she always has a takeaway.
Today, she worked at a food bank in Sandtown with me and my friend. She saw a diverse group of people working for their city. Delegates, college kids, faith leaders, friends and strangers, just coming together to help a beleaguered community. My friend and I share the belief that kids can play a part in that.
Civic engagement can be learned at any age.
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